Ear cleaning apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides apparatus and methods for cleaning an ear canal. The ear cleaning apparatus includes an elongated support member having an outer surface and first and second ends, and a bristle member that is attached to one end of the support member. The bristle member includes a plurality of flexible elongated members that are configured to contact a surface of an ear canal when the support member/bristle member assembly is inserted into the ear canal.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An ear canal cleaning apparatus, comprising:
 an elongated support member having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and first and second ends; and 
 a bristle member comprising a plurality of flexible elongated members configured to contact a surface of an ear canal, said bristle member being attached to said support member outer surface and proximate first end of said support member, 
 said support member and bristle member assembly being configured to enter into an ear canal of a subject, 
 each of said plurality of elongated members having first and second ends, said first ends being restrained proximate said support member outer surface and said second ends being unrestrained, said second ends being configured to provide a plurality of contact points when said securing member is disposed in said ear canal, 
 each of said plurality of elongated members having a first length in the range of 0.1 mm-3 cm and a maximum thickness along said first length no greater than 3.0 mm, 
 said plurality of elongated members being disposed circumferentially around said support member and projecting outwardly therefrom at an angle relative to said support member longitudinal axis in the range of approximately 5°-85°, whereby said second ends of said elongated members are directed toward said first end of said support member. 
 
     
     
       2. The ear canal cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of elongated members comprises at least 3 of said plurality of elongated members. 
     
     
       3. The ear canal cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of elongated members have a first cross sectional shape comprising a shape selected from the group consisting of a flat, round, elliptical, square, triangular and hexangular shape, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       4. The ear canal cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said support member comprises a flexible support member.